California Tax Education Council
Voluntary IRS Program Starts Soon
Monday, December 1, 2014 - 19 commentsThe Internal Revenue Service is reminding tax preparers about its new voluntary Annual Filing Season Program that takes effect during the 2015 tax season.
To participate, tax preparers must obtain a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN), complete the Annual Federal Tax Refresher (AFTR) course, pass a comprehension test and meet federal continuing education requirements.
CTEC Registered Tax Preparers (CRTPs) who have a current CTEC registration and PTIN will be exempt from the AFTR course and test requirements. CRTPs must have renewed with CTEC by December 31, 2014 to receive the IRS exemption.
After CRTPs renew their CTEC registration and PTIN, the IRS will email a letter with instructions on how to take part in the program.
Participants will receive a record of completion and will be listed on the IRS website for consumers to view. The list is scheduled to launch in January 2015.
Please remember the program is strictly voluntary. It does not replace CTEC registration, which is required by California law.
Click here for more details.
Comments
I am trying to renew my CTEC not but system wouldn't let me because my bond starts on January 1st 2015. I tried to change the dates on my bond but they are closed because of the holidays. Do I still have time to renewal my CTEC on January 1, 2015. Thanks
Yes, you can renew late until January 15, 2015.
I am also having trouble signing in with my last 6 of my social and last name. I have been trying to log in for the past few weeks. I also called my provider and they said they had reported my 60 hours because they sent me my completion certificate. I have tried calling multiple times and emailed as well but have not gotten a response. I first got my ctec in 2013 but did not renew for this year. So I have to register as a new preparer for this upcoming tax season. I am about to send my application by mail if there is another faster solution please advise. thank you.
I'm trying to get my registration as a tax preparer but the display where I asked the last 6 digits of my SSA and my last name, I do not appear, I tried calling the phone 877-850-2832 but nobody answers me.
Are you registering for the first time? If you are not coming up, then it could be the education provider has not reported your hours to CTEC. If that's the case, you need to call the education provider.
Can u still take my continuing education. I took the ctec test last year. What do I do since the deadline was October 31st
Hi Marissa- You have until January 15, 2015 to renew late. If you do not renew by that date, then you will be required to start over, retake the QE course and register as a new tax preparer.
Hi, I am told I need to complete the 60 hour course again because there is no record of my continued education requirements from last year. This is not true. And it showed it was completed on your website earlier in the year. The company Golden City Professional Studies is no longer a provider but I do have proof of completion from 2013. Please advise.
Hi Deanna- Your information has been forwarded to a CTEC staff member who handles education providers. CTEC will contact you...
If I put wrong my PTIN number and I already pay for my CTEC what is the worst thing it could happen?
Hi Sandra- The Franchise Tax Board and IRS use PTINs frequently for enforcement purposes. Call the CTEC office at 877-850-2832 for assistance to get your PTIN corrected.
If i don't want to be part of that voluntary IRS program, why do I need my PTIN number to get my CTEC number? It says is voluntary and last years I heared that people could get CTEC numbers first.
Hi Carlos-The PTIN is still a requirement by the IRS, as of 2011. The only voluntary part of the program is the tax education courses. As for getting a CTEC registration before the PTIN, that's not possible. Tax preparers cannot register or renew with CTEC without a PTIN.
when is the deadline for completing ctec regisrtation?
The deadline to renew is October 31st of each year. However, you still have time to renew late. The late renewal deadline is January 15, 2015. A $55 late fee will be applied to the $33 registration fee. If you do not renew by January 15th, you will be required to start over, retake the 60 hour course and register as a new tax preparer.
THE CERTIFICATE I RECEIVED FOR THE TAX YEAR 2015 IS LAST YEARS CERTIFICATE. IT EXPIRES ON OCT. 31 2014. PLEASE SEND ME ONE THAT COVERS ME FOR 2015. THAN YOU
Hi Janet- Our records indicate you did not register for the new cycle. Please contact the CTEC office at 877-850-2832 for assistance.
I have renewed my PTIN and CTEC Registration but have not received an email from the IRS, do you know when these will be coming out?
Hi Susan, You should receive an email from the IRS within a week after finishing all your requirements. If it has been more than a week, confirm with your education provider(s) that they reported your CTEC CE to the IRS.